End the Filibuster: Sure Defeat or Wise Move?

I and over 50 House members wrote a letter urging the Senate to change its rules so that a majority of senators could disapprove the Iran deal.

Regarding your editorial “Republican Filibluster” (Sept. 21): I and over 50 House members wrote a letter urging the Senate to change its rules so that a majority of senators could disapprove the Iran deal. (The filibuster rule now requires 60 votes). This supermajority prevents some legislation, like the Iran deal, from getting a vote.

Even though President Obama might veto Senate disapproval of the Iran deal, it’s still important to put it on his desk and make him explain his veto to the American people. Congress must lead, not surrender, to a perceived threat from the administration. Republicans must go on the offense and take the initiative.

You justify the filibuster as a “check on majoritarian control.” This is a very strange position since in a democracy the majority controls. Editors should have more faith in our long-serving form of government, as the modern Senate filibuster has only been in place since 1917. Now, while the Republicans control the Senate, is precisely the right time to eliminate the filibuster for crucial pieces of legislation—especially when national security interests are at stake. If the Senate waits, it might have a Democratic majority after the next election, but Democrats have already changed the filibuster rule once and might do so again.

I am under no illusion that the elimination of the Senate filibuster for some votes will guarantee the passage of legislation, much less its enactment into law. However, a move by the Senate to a majority vote that can approve some legislation would make it much easier for Congress to advance meaningful solutions to challenges our country faces.

Rep. Lamar Smith (R., Texas)

Washington

“Republican Filibluster” lists good reasons that the Republicans should not seek to blow up the 60-vote rule nor shut down the government over Planned Parenthood, considering the president’s likely veto.

Republicans would be wise to reflect on the words attributed to Demosthenes (338 B.C.): “Better to retreat and marshal your forces than to waste a glorious death in sure defeat.”